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Digitized by the Internet Archive 
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The Library of Congress 



http://www.archive.org/details/illustratedhisto01smit 



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THE 



ILLUSTRATED and HISTORICAL 

SOUVENIR of CENTRAL PARK, 



li- 



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37 



Printers : 
J. W. PRATT & SON. 



WITH INDEXED MAP. 



♦ 



Published by 
WM. F. SMITH &. CO 
lo East 14TH St., N. Y. 

COPYRIGHT 1893, BY C. O. SMITH. 




Engravers : 
N. Y. ENGRAVING & PTG. CO. 



f-- 



CONTENTS. 



Area and Genealogy of Central Park, . . . , . 

Board of Park Commissioners, . o . „ . „ 

Bridges, Archways, Tunnels and Arbors, 

Park Carriages, Drives and Riding Meet, = . , . 

Metropolitan Museum of Art, . = . , . 

American Museum of Natural History, 

The Egyptian Obelisk, 

The Mall, Terrace and Bethesda Fountain, 

Casino, McQown's Pass Tavern, and Dairy, 

The Ramble, Cave and Lovers' Walk, 

The Belvidere and Reservoirs, 

The Menagerie, 5ea Lions and Hippopotami, 

Ball Grounds, May Party, Green and Sheep, 

The MAP shows Carousal, Goat Carriages, Donkeys and Swan Boats, 42, 45 & 49 

at a glance how to Lakes, Lilics and Plants, . . . . 42 to 49 

REACH and SEE every 

OBJECT of INTEREST. Statues and Monuments, . . . 50 to 54 

5 



Pages. 

7 


8 


8 & 9 


10 & 41 


10 to 22 


22 to 29 


29 to 32 


32 to 36 


36 & 37 


38 & 53 


38 & 39 


38 & 40 


42, 43 & 49 




ENTRAL PARK, one of the most beautiful in the world, was, 
^^^^te within the memory of the present generation, a waste of rock and- 
swamp, offering no suggestion of its present charm, and sufficiently 
uninviting and rugged in its aspect to discourage the most enthusi- 
astic engineer. Since then a paradise has been created by an outlay of upwards of $14,000,- 
000. The conformation of Manhattan Island afforded but slight natural advantages for the 
creation of a great park. Geologically it is described as "along, narrow tongue of rock, 
chiefly gneiss and mica-schists contorted and upturned at every angle." In the crevices 
of these rocks natural springs and decaying vegetation had formed forbidding pools and 
swamps. Over all this, the great glacial drift had scattered its boulders, and smooth 
rounded and grooved every outcrop. These external evidences of world-making have been 
entirely effaced in the Southern portion of the city, but enough of them remain in the 
Northern part to indicate the roughness and ruggedness of the area out of which the 
authorities undertook to create Central Park. After considerable necessary preliminary 
preparation, the work was actually commenced in 1857, the landscape design being by 
Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux, and the architecture by Mr. Vaux, assisted by 
J. W. Mould. Not only had the impression which Nature in her wildest mood had left upon the 
earth's surface to be utilized or removed in the formation of this great park, but forests had to 



be reproduced and a new mantle of verdure spread over all. Barren commons were to 
be converted into lawns and meadows of perennial beauty, swamps turned into pellucid 
lakes and roads constructed everywhere, regardless of obstacles. But the genius and skill 
of man, backed by the wealth of a great city, were equal to the task, and a single 
generation served to see the "waste places made glad, and the wilderness blossom like 
the rose," and to-day the completed park stands forth a most striking monument of the 
skill of engineers and landscape architects, and may be spoken of now as a finished 
work, taking on new beauties and adding to its attractions from season to season. All 
the work of construction and maintenance is done under the direction of the Department 
of Public Parks. The Board of Commissioners are : President, George C. Clausen ; Vice- 
President, Abraham B. Tappen ; Nathan Straus and Edward Bell, Commissioners ; Charles 
De F. Burns, Secretary; Samuel Parsons, Jr., Superintendent of Parks; M. A. Kellogg, Engi- 
neer of Construction ; Captain of Police, C. C. Collins. 

The Park embraces an area of 840 acres, extending from 59th to iioth St., and from 
5th to 8th Aves. In length it is a little more than o.y^ miles, and in width it exceeds 
half a mile. Its surface is composed of 6533/^ acres of land and iSsX acres of water — 
the latter being made up by two reservoirs covering 142 acres, and a series of beautiful 
lakes and ponds, aggregating 43^ acres. Nearly 9 miles of drives, of an average width 
of 54 feet— the widest being 60 feet — traverse it ; the bridle paths, i6>^ feet wide, extend 
lyi miles, and the walks, 16 feet wide, 28^ miles. 

Bridges and Archways.— There are 36 in the Park, which are more or less ornamental, 
and no two are alike. There are 12 tunnels, constructed to screen the sunken roadways 



which traverse the Park on the lines of 65th, 7Qth, 85th and gyth Sts. The wooded 
ground covers about 400 acres, on which have been planted more than half a million 
trees, shrubs and vines, and the meadows and lawns spread their velvet smoothness over 
many acres. Seats are provided for 10,000 people, 600 of which are in vine-covered arbors. 
There are 30 buildings within the Park, five or six are for the accommodation of the public. 

Park Carriages are provided for visitors desiring to see the larger portion of the 
Park and many of its attractive features without fatigue, and are located at the entrances 
at 5th and 8th Aves. and 59th St. The fare for the entire trip is 25 cents. 

The Drives.— Stretching for more than two miles through the center of Manhattan 
Island, with two of the principal avenues interrupted by its expanse, and two others 
skirting its entire length, the Park is easily accessible from all directions. It is beautiful 
all the year round, but is particularly so in the early Spring. It is at all times the 
fashionable drive, and every afternoon an unending cavalcade pours in at the 5th Ave. 
entrance, composed mainly of superbly appointed family equipages. Owners of fast horses 
more often drive up Broadway, and, passing in at the 8th Ave. entrance, proceed through 
the park to Central Ave., beyond the Harlem River. 

Metropolitan fluseum of Art.— First among the attractions of the Park is this grand 
temple, devoted to the collection and preservation of works which mark the world's progress- 
ive epochs in taste and refinement, and to the dissemination of knowledge that will assist 
humanity to an appreciation of the endeavors of men in ages past, and thus become a great 
factor in raising the standard of civilization. The Museum of Art was founded less than a 
quarter of a century ago by philanthropic citizens, and when the fact is considered that it 

10 



has never been helped or aided (except to a limited extent, and that not bestowed upon 
its collection) by governmental munificence, its progress has been truly wonderful. In that 
brief period it has gathered within its walls treasures which, in many respects, rival the 
collections of the most famous museums of Euiope. The institution was chartered by the 
State "for the purpose of establishing a Museum and Library of Art; of encouraging and 
developing the study of the fine arts ; of the application of Art to manufactures and to 
private life ; of advancing the general knowledge of kindred subjects, and to that end, 
of furnishing popular instruction and recreation." It is governed by a board of twenty- 
one Trustees, in addition to whom the Comptroller of the City of New York, the Pres- 
ident of the Department of Public Parks and the President of the National Academy of 
Design are ex-officio members. Officer^ of the Corporation for the year ending 1894 : Pres- 
ident, Henry G. Marquand ; Vice-Presidents, F. W. Rhinelander, D. Huntington ; Treasurer, 
Hiram Hitchcock ; Secretary, L. P. di Cesnola. The contribution of $50,000 to the funds of 
the Museum confers upon the donor the title of Benefactor ; of $5,000 to election as a 
Patron, or Fellow in perpetuity ; of $1,000 to election as a Fellow for life. Contributions 
of works of art to the value of twice these amounts may be accepted instead of cash 
payments. Honorary Fellows for life may be elected by the Trustees. Patrons and 
fellows enjoy all the privileges the Museum affords in the way of study, and are also 
entitled to a certain number of tickets, transferable to others, and admitting the holder 
to the exhibitions, at all times. The connection of the Museum with the Park is this : 
In consideration of the accommodations furnished by the city, the Trustees admit the public 
free of charge on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sunday afternoons, holidays, 



and on Monday and Friday evenings, beside certain privileges accorded to instructors, stu- 
dents, schools, etc. Mondays and Fridays 25 cents is charged. 

Invited by the city to remove the Museum to the Park, the Trustees accepted ; the city 
agreeing to provide a building and contribute to the equipment and maintenance. By law 
a plot of ground was set apart and transferred to the use of the Museum for its buildings, 
east of the old receiving reservoir, and bounded on the East by Fifth Avenue, South by the 
continuation of Eightieth Street, West by the drive, North by the continuation of Eighty-fifth 
Street, and comprising eighteen and one-half acres. This plot it is intended eventually to 
fill with the building and its extensions. The city expended in erecting the building now 
occupied by the Museum nearly two million dollars; the accommodations being increased from 
time to time as the growth of the institution required. The Museum was removed to the 
Park in 1879, and on the 30th of March, 1880, was formally opened by the President of the 
United States. The first acquisition of any importance made by the Museum was the Blodgett 
collection of paintings, consisting mainly of examples of Flemish and Dutch masters, but con- 
taining also some fair specimens of French, Spanish and English art. Next came the archae- 
ological collection made in Cyprus by General di Cesnola. These accumulations were 
followed by smaller but equally valuable specimens, so that when it removed to the 
home provided for it in the Park a fair indication of its destined greatness was apparent. 
Since then, and particularly in the last few years, munificent donations from citizens of New 
York have increased its treasures to their present grand proportions, and scarcely a month 
now passes without a valuable donation being made to it. Entering the building at the 
South, in front of the visitor may be found some excellent modern sculpture, and to the right 



Egyptian antiquities, among whicli are sarcophagi and mummies. Ancient terra cottas are 
seen to the North, and antique sculpture, bronzes and inscriptions follow these. To the 
left, on entering from ihe Park, is the hall of glass, laces and pottery, relative to which says 
a worthy authority : " It is doubtful if any other museum in the world can equal this illus- 
tration of the history of glass." The McCullum, Stuart and Astor laces, of rarest design and 
exquisite tracery, showing in many examples the most delicate webs ever woven by human 
fingers, are very beautiful, and naturally of great value. These are arranged so as to be 
seen to advantage and without danger of injury. Near these are collections of musical 
instruments as comprehensive as they are curious, and to which numerous additions are soon 
to be made and rearranged. Passing on through this section we come upon collections of 
bronze statues, and figures (which, however are soon to be rearranged in another hall) of 
intricate wrought-iron work, of precious antiquities in many strangely designed forms, until we 
arrive at the lofty hall in which are erected accurate models of the Parthenon, Notre Dame 
and other noted ancient buildings. Conspicuous on the West wall is hung Makart's colossal 
painting, "Diana's Hunting Party," and on the East Constant's "Emperor Justinian." 

Leaving the agreeable atmosphere of this storied locality we soon gain access to the 
upper halls, where the eye and mind will be engrossed with the contributions of palaces, 
churches and private collections of the Old World. Here every nook and corner is 
enriched with choice accumulations, about which the catalogues, in a measure, enlighten 
the earnest visitor. The painters of the great schools of all nations and times, old and 
modern masters, fill the many galleries and awaken the most varied sentiments of the 
student. A rather hasty glance reveals a vast number of notable pictures, chief among 




17 



them being (15) Leon Bonnat's "Egyptian Fellali, Woman and Child;" (22) Constant Troy- 
ou's "Holland Cattle;" (52) Pierre Cot's "The Storm;" (112) Gabriel Max's "The Last 
Token";" (117) Alex. Cabanel's "The Shulammite;" (124) Ludvvig Knaus' 'The Holy Fam- 
ily;" all of which are in the Wolfe collection. In Gallery V is (186) Rosa Bonheur's "The 
Horse Fair;" (220) Fortuny's "A Spanish Lady;" (242) Edouard Detaille's "The Defence of 
Champigny ;" {216) J. L. E. Meissonier's "Friedland, 1807." Gallery Y : (24) Peter Paul Rubens' 
"Return of the Holy Family from Egypt;" (51) Vandyck's "St. Martha Interceding with God 
for a Cessation of the Plague at Tarascon ; " (58) Jacob Jordaens' "The Visit of St. John to 
the Infant Jesus;" (95) Greuze's "Study of a Head;" (5) Sir Joshua Reynolds' "Large Por- 
trait Group," three small figures. In the Marquand Gallery (34) Rubens' "Susanna and the 
Elders;" (37) Rembrandt's "Portrait of a Man;" (39) Gainsborough's "Girl With a Cat;" 
(40) Turners' " Saltash ; " (46) Vandyck's "Duke of Richmond;" (45 & 47) Constable's "A 
Lock on the Stour" and "The Valley Farm ;" (14) Franz Hals' " Portrait of a Woman." 

In other galleries adjacent one may study the wonderful creations in Gobelin 
tapestries, bequeathed by the late Elizabeth V. Coles ; vases of bronze, malachites, mar- 
ble, enamels ; statuettes in terra-cotta, found in Tanagra, so human and artistic in pose and 
grace ; volumes of photographs of Renaissance Italian work ; glass, pottery, fragments of 
statuary ; wall stucco, frescoes and mosaics ; engravings, prints, manuscripts ; Babylonian 
seals and " cylinders, now the finest collection in the world, save that of the British 
Museum, and which, with additions soon to be arranged, will be the most extensive and 
comprehensive extant. The Gold and Silver Gallery of the North wing will be three times 
the dimensions of that of the South wing, and unsurpassed both in rarity and excellence 



of examples displayed, as well as the method of exposing this beautiful and educational 
exhibit ; so also the series of rooms in the new wing, each in their charming way, will be 
found replete both in floor and wall cases with objects beautiful and instructive to contem- 
plate. In addition to what has been mentioned the visitor will discover in a mosaic by 
Rinaldi, "Ruins of Psestum," a work of marvelous execution ; and the Oriental porcelains, 
as well as the collections of Assyrian, Babylonian, Egyptian antiquities, and of pre-historic 
American antiquities, will elicit profound admiration. 

In the space allotted to the Museum of Art in this work can be given only an epitome 
of its vast values. The Cyprus Collection alone, unearthed by Gen. L. P. di Cesnola, and 
which has no parallel anywhere for extent and variety, would, with its stone sculptures, 
sarcophagi, inscriptions, alabastra, ivories, lamps, pottery, terra-cotta statuettes, bronzes, 
glass, gems, jewelry and other objects in gold and silver ; Assyrian, Egyptian, Phoenician, 
Greek and Roman in character, and of other dates from the earliest times to later than the 
Christian era, form a unique, distinctive and important museum. Every day this collection 
is becoming more and more precious by the comparative light of new discoveries giving it a 
completeness quite inestimable. It has made Homer more comprehensive, it has enlightened 
the world upon facts which, previous to its discovery, were not dreamed of. Truly the Amer- 
ican people, if they are not to-day grateful in their possession of this Collection, will, at no 
distant day, rise up and glorify the zeal and ardor of its worthy discoverer. 

The Museum's collection of glass was increased by a purchase from Charvet, by Henry 
G. Marquand, and by him presented to the Museum ; also a later collection gathered by the 
late James Jackson Jarves, making the entire collection of glass the richest and most valu- 

19 



able known. Of other collections of note the following may well be mentioned as being 
exceptionally fine : the Huntington memorials of Washington, Franklin and Lafayette ; the 
E. C. Moore ancient terra-cotta statuettes (Tanagra and Myrina), ancient and mediaeval glass, 
Oriental enameled and other pottery, and objects of art in metal, ivory, etc.; the Lazarus 
miniatures, enamels, jewelry and fans, the Drexel objects of art in gold and silver, the C. 
W. King collection of ancient gems, purchased and presented to the Museum by John Taylor 
Johnston ; the Oriental porcelains acquired from S. P. Avery ; the Japanese swords purchased at 
the sale of the Ives collection ; the musical instruments of all nations, presented by Mrs. John 
Crosby Brown, with a smaller collection presented by J.VV. Drexel ; the Baker and other examples 
of ancient textile fabrics from the Fayoum in Egypt ; the pictures, gold medals and other objects 
commemorative of the laying of the Atlantic cable, presented by the late Cyrus W. Field ; the 
models of inventions by the late Capt. John Ericsson, presented by George H. Robinson ; the 
reproductions of ivory carvings, exhibiting the mediaeval continuance of the art, Renaissance 
iron work, Delia Robbia altar-piece, metallic reproductions of gold and silver objects in the 
Imperial Russian Museum, all presented by Henry G. Marquand ; the Levi H. Willard 
architectural casts, amounting to over $100,000 in value ; the Marquand sculptural casts, the 
beginning of a series of casts which will illustrate progressive art from earliest examples 
to the Liter Christian ; drawings by the old masters collected by Count Maggiori of Bologna, 
Signor Marietta, Prof. Angelini and Dr. Guastala, purchased and presented by Cornelius 
Vanderbilt, also another set presented by Mrs. Cephas G. Thompson; and several 
collections of paintings by old Dutch and Flemish masters, and others. The symmetry 
of the Museum thus appears no less remarkable thain its growth ; rendering its collections 

20 



of untold value to the artist, artisan and art student, as well as the scholar and those who 
simply wander about in search of something entertaining and curious. The instructional 
phase of the Museum's existence is still further augmented by regular courses of lectures given 
on art and archaeology on Saturday mornings during the winter by special arrangements with 
Columbia College ; these features coupled with the Museum Library and other educational 
facilities round out the character and magnitude of one of the greatest museums in the world. 
Entrance, 5th Ave. and 82d St. 

American fluseum of Natural History.— While not in the Park, this institution is 
for all purposes a feature of it, being located in Manhattan Square, which adjoins the 
Park on the West side, extending from 77th to 8ist St., and from 8th to gth Ave. A 
stone bridge connects the building occupied by the Museum with the Park at 77th St., 
so that communication between the two is uninterrupted. The Natural History. Museum 
was founded the same year as that of the Museum of Art, and very much in the same 
way ; the relations between it and the city are similar, and membership is secured in 
the same manner and at like rates ; but this institution being more of a school, annual 
tickets are sold for $10, giving the holder all privileges for investigation and study ; 
rooms are provided for the accommodation of students, and a regular series of lectures 
are delivered by competent instructors. A part of the original design of the Museum is 
the establishment of a post-graduate university of natural science, where students may 
find -as complete collections and facilities as those now existing or offered in Berlin and 
London. The institution grows rapidly, both in- aggregation and in value, and is destined 
to rank with the best of its kind in the world, and competent judges now accord it the 
pre-eminent position among similar institutions of our country. Before the Museum was 

82 



incorporated, many important acquisitions were secured for it, consisting of the Verreaux 
collection of natural history specimens ; the Elliott collection of the birds of North America, 
and the entire Museum of Prince Maximilian of Neuwied ; the money required to secure 
them being raised by private contributions, most of it being subscribed by the trustees — 
twenty-five in number — of the embryo institution. The corner-stone for the building was 
laid on the 2d of June, 1874, by President Grant, and the completed edifice was formally 
opened on the 22d of December, 1877, President Hayes being present and assisting at the 
ceremonies. It has progressed in public favor, and the city authorities have dealt liber- 
ally with it. Many thousands of dollars have been expended in beautifying the square 
in which the institution stands, and in a few years it will be surrounded by grounds 
comparing favorably with the Park itself. The Museum is entered from the South, and 
is divided into halls 170 feet long by 60 wide. The first story is largely devoted to speci- 
mens of mammalia, but contains also the Forestry Collection, presented by Morris K. Jesup, 
consisting of every known variety of North American woods, 512 in number. The 
collection also contains an excellent section of the Redwood, and a superb specimen of the 
Giant Sequoia (big tree) from California, the gift of C. P. Huntington, Esq. 

The Geological Department compares favorably with the most important of its kind 
in the country. The collections of American gems and gem material exhibited in Paris, 
presented by J. Pierpont Morgan, has been arranged and displayed in cases specially 
constructed for this gift. It presents a most attractive appearance, and a more instruc- 
tive illustration of the uses of gem stones than any similar collection. Among notable 
specimens in the department, is the large mass of copper ore from Montana, weighing 



Geological Hall, 



SHOWING SKELETON OF 



Mastodon and Giant Moa. 




Wood Hall 

Jesup Collection 

and section of 

BIG TREE. 



6,041 pounds, especially rich in both copper and silver, and the three large blocks of lime- 
stone from Beirut, Syria. Here also are specimens of gold and silver ore, phosphate 
rock; a collection of corundums — "emery ores" — and the large cube of azurite displayed 
in the mining exhibit of Arizona at the World's Columbian Exposition, and donated to 
the Museum by the Copper Queen Mining Co. 

The Department of Mammals and Birds contains over 10,000 mounted birds, and 
a large collection of mammals, reptiles and fishes. Among these may be noted the 
George N. Lawrence Ornithological Collection and the Elliot Collection of Humming Birds. 

The Conchological Department contains a very rare and extensive collection of shells, 
notable for their extreme beauty and perfection, embracing, among many others, the col- 
lections formed by the late Dr. Jay, D. Jackson Steward and John J. Crooke. 

The Department of Entomology has over 350,000 specimens of insects from all parts 
of the globe, and is extremely rich in material from this country. The collection of 
butterflies and moths consists of over 60,000 specimens. The Harry Edwards, the Angus, 
the Elliott, and the Drexel and Grote & Robinson Collections are in this Department. 

The Department of Archeeology and Ethnology embraces implements of the Pacific 
Islanders, Indian dresses and weapons, stone weapons of American aborigines, and a 
similar collection from the valley of the Somme, in France ; specimens from the pre- 
historic cliff ■ and lake dwellers, pottery, textile fabrics, weaving implements, mummies, 
sculptures and more than three hundred gold, silver and copper ornaments from the 
excavations of South America. Notable in this department is the widely known collec- 
tion of Col. Jones, of Georgia ; the Appleton Sturgis Collection from the South Sea 

26 



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28 



Islands ; the Terry Collection of objects from the mound builders of the Pacific Coast, 
and the Bishop and the Lmmons Collections of Implements, etc., from Alaska. 

The Department of Mammalian Palaeontology, lately formed, aims to provide complete 
series of the fossil mammalia of North America, and at the present period the collec- 
tions embrace nearly one-half of the material required. The progress made leaves but 
little room for doubt that the coming three years will witness the completion of this great 
work and provide for exhibition and study an unequaled collection. 

The Library of the institution numbers over 26,000 volumes on the various branches of 
natural science, included in which is a rare collection of books and pamphlets relating to 
fish and fishing and a valuable special library on shells. The Museum is open to the public 
free on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sunday afternoons, holidays, and 
on Tuesday and Saturdaj' evenings. Mondays and Tuesdays 25 cents is charged. 

The officers of the institution are: Morris K. Jesup, President; James M. Constable, 
D. Jackson Steward, Vice-Presidents; Charles Lanier, Treasurer; John H. Winser, Secre- 
tary and Assistant Treasurer ; William Wallace, Superintendent of Buildings. 

The Obelisk. — This wonderful monument of remotest ages stands on a mound near 
the Museum of Art, and is most readily reached from the entrance at 5th Ave. and 79th 
St. It was presented to the City of New York by the Khedive of Egypt, Ismail Pasha, 
in 1877, and was removed and placed in position by Commander Gorringe, of the U. S. 
Navy, the whole expense of its transfer and erection being defrayed by the late William 
H. Vanderbilt. It is a monolith of red granite, nearly 70 ft. high, and weighing about 
440,000 pounds. In form it is a slightly tapering square, measuring through its base 7 ft., 

39 



and terminating in a pyramidal top, which originally, it is asserted, was covered with 
polished copper or brass. Previous to removal it stood near Alexandria, in Egypt, on 
the site of the Temple of On, of which it had once been an ornament, while its mate 
— now standing in London — had fallen centuries before, and lay partly buried in the sand. 
In size it is sixth among the existing Obelisks of Egypt, but in interest it is second to 
none of the monuments of that wonderful people. This Obelisk was erected at the com- 
mand of Thutmes III., one of the greatest of Egyptian monarchs, fully fifteen hundred 
years before the commencement of the Christian era, and is therefore 3,400 years old. 
It carries the beholder back to the period of the captivity of the Israelites. It was doubt- 
less seen, and the inscription upon it read by Moses, who was learned in the learning 
of the Egyptians. It was an ancient monument when Antony and Caesar contended 
for universal sovereignty and the favor of Cleopatra. The faces of the Obelisk were 
covered with hieroglyphic inscriptions, but those on one face are now illegible. On the 
apex the inscriptions date from the time of its erection, and commemorate the glory of 
Thuimes. They are all similar and are thus translated: "The Strong Bull, who manifests 
himself King in the Thebaid, the Son of the Sun : Thutmes. The Gracious God, Lord of 
the Two Worlds, King of Upper and Lower Egypt : Ra-men-Kheper." On the body of the 
Obelisk there are three inscriptions on each face, the center line being the original, and 
all the faces being similar. It is translated: " Horus : Magnified and Enlightened by the 
Crown of Upper Egypt. The King of Upper and Lower Egypt : Ra-men-Kheper. The 
Golden Horus. The Strong of Arm, who beat the Kings of Foreign Nations, who were 
numbered by hundreds of thousands ; for his Father, the Sun-god Ra, ordained for him 

30 



victories over all Lands. Mighty Power was concentrated at the points of his hands to 
widen the boundaries of Egypt. The Son of the Sun : Thutmes. Who gives Life of all 
Stability and Purity to-day as ever after." The lines on each side of this center inscrip- 
tion were placed upon the Obelisk about three hundred years after its erection by 
Rameses, a descendant of Thutmes, to commemorate his victories and achievements. 

The Mall is the chief promenade, nearly a quarter of a mile long and 208 ft. wide, 
and extends from the Marble Arch to the Terrace, bordered by double rows of American 
elms, with the Green on one side and a bold, rocky ridge on the other. It is paved 
with asphalt, and ornamented with statues of Scott, Shakespeare, Burns, Halleck, and the 
Beethoven bust. Near its Northern end is the Music Stand, where in summer, on Saturday 
and Sunday afternoons, a band discourses delightful music. 

The Terrace, — This elaborate work— the designs for which were prepared by Mr. 
Calvert Vaux, the ornamentation being by Mr. Mould— is at the Northern end of the 
Mall, and leads down to the Esplanade on the shore of the Lake. A central stairway 
passes under the carriage road, and two side stairways are outside — the three meeting on 
the Esplanade. The Terrace is constructed of a very fine-grained, yellow-tinted stone, 
out of which are carved, for exterior ornamentation, birds, animals, fruits and flowers 
of wonderful beauty and intricacy. The arched roof of the central stairway, and of the 
hall fojmed by its passage under the carriage drive, is covered with brilliant tiles. 

Bethesda Fountain. — This ornament of the Park stands in the Esplanade at the foot 
of the Terrace. It was ordered by the authorities in 1863, and ten years later was 
finished and put in place. Miss Emma Stebbins, of New York, designed and executed 

33 




33 



1 




34 




35 



the models in Rome, when they were sent to Munich and cast in bronze at the Royal 
Foundry, under the supervision of Ferdinand von Muller. The idea of the fountain was 
suggested by the story of the Pool of Bethesda (St. John, chapter v., verses 2-4). The 
figure of an angel stands in the attitude of blessing the waters which rise and move 
at her presence. She bears in her left hand a bunch of lilies, emblems of purity, and 
wears across her breast the crossed bands of the messenger-angel. She seems to hover 
over, as if just alighting on a mass of rock, from which the water gushes in a natural 
manner, falling over the edge of the upper basin, slightly veiling, but not concealing, 
four smaller figures, emblematic of the blessings of Temperance, Purity, Health and Peace- 
The figure of the angel is 8 ft. high, the upper basin is 10 ft. in diameter, and the group 
of four figures below are each 4 ft. high. 

Statues and Monuments.— For locations and names see map. 

The Dairy.— An attractive brick building situated just off the 5th Ave. Drive, near 
the Carousal, where a dairy lunch can be obtained at moderate price. 

The Casino.— A unique stone cottage containing a restaurant, opposite the Music 
Stand, where you can procure all the delicacies of the season. 

McQown's Pass Tavern is a fine restaurant situated on the East side of the Park 
near io6th St. Prices are moderate and cuisine excellent. McGown's Pass, near this tavern, 
is noted for several skirmishes having been fought here during the Revolutionary war. 
Near the Pass there are the remains of an earthwork, called Fort Fisher, that defended 
it ; a quarter of a mile due West is the Old Fort, in a good state of preservation, also 
a Revolutionary relic, upon the flagstaff of which the American flag is raised upon 

36 




A^"° — 



37 



"Evacuation Day," by a descendant of the man who raised the first American flag on 
the staff at Bowling Green when the city was evacuated by the British army. 

The Ramble lies on the hillside between the North shore of the Lake and the Old 
Reservoir. Here the ruggedness of Nature has been most advantageously utilized, and 
the result is seen in a labyrinth of winding paths leading to and through secluded nooks, 
shaded dells, and charming bits of scenery. Small streams dance and sparkle ; miniature 
cascades tumble over mossy rocks, and the wanderer through these scenes could readily 
imagine himself many miles from a great city, so complete is the solitude, so profound 
are the shadows. Hidden away among the rocks here is the Cave. 

Belvidere is the highest point in the Park, and located on a hill at the Southwest 
corner of the Old Reservoir, near the Transverse Road at ygih St. It is an open, flagged 
space, and contains a stone lookout tower about 50 ft. high, to which all persons are 
admitted. From here the Park may be seen spread like a panorama at your feet. 

Reservoirs. — There are two of these vast, granite-walled structures, the old and new. 
covering 142 acres and containing 1,200,000,000 gallons of water. The old Reservoir is 
the smaller, and is in the center of the Park, between 79th and 86th Sts. The new one 
occupies nearly the entire breadth of the Park, between 86th and 96th Sts. Around the 
latter a bridle path and walk entirely surrounds it, and for equestrian exercise or prom- 
enade a more charming course could not be found anywhere. 

The Menagerie. — This is located about the old Arsenal, a castellated, gray brick building, 
the walls of which are now almost covered by clinging ivy, which makes it very pictur- 
esque. There are many cages for animals, birds, monkeys, bear-pits, lions, tigers, bison, 



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leopards, hippopotami and other wild beasts. Entrance, 5th Ave. and 64th St. 

Children's Departments.— First there is the Carousal, which is most readily reached 
from the 6th Ave. entrance at 59th St. Here swings, a merry-go-round, and plenty of 
room and opportunities for other amusements are provided. On the Mall are the goat 
carriages, and near the Menagerie are the donkeys for children to ride. 

Ball Ground. — Adjoining the Carousal is a fine stretch of lawn, containing 10 acres, 
set apart for the use of boys who desire to play base-ball or cricket, or parties for 
croquet or lawn-tennis. Nearest entrance, sgth St. and 7th Ave. 

The Green is a fine meadow of 16 acres, North of the ball ground. A fine flock 
of sheep is pastured here, and is in charge of a knowing "coUey," or sheep-dog. 
Usually on Saturdays, visitors are permitted to roam over the grass. 

The Lake lies near the center of the Park, adjoining the Terrace, and covers an 
area of 20 acres. It is one of the most attractive features of the Park. In summer 
its wooded and fllowery banks afford delightful promenades or resting places, while the 
beautiful boats of various kinds furnish enjoyment for thousands. At one point it is crossed 
by a rustic bridge, on which visitors are always standing to watch the boats go by. In 
winter, when ice has formed of sufficient thickness, the Lake is opened for skaters, for 
whose safety and comfort every provision is made by the authorities. Then its surface 
is a sight to. see. Such skill and want of skill ! such grace and utter lack of grace ! are 
probably exhibited nowhere else in the world on the same space. Old and young— rich and 
poor— join in the carnival, and it is hard to decide which has the most enjoyment, 
the crowd upon the ice, or the crowd looking on from the shores. 

42 




WlNTEPfCE«>.. 



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45 



The Pond is near the entrance at 59th St. and 5th Ave., and covers about 5 acres. 
Around it are some bold and picturesque rocks that materially enhance its attractive- 
ness. The Lohengrin boats upon it are very beautiful, and deservedly popular. 

Conservatory Water covers 2j^ acres, not far from the yad St. and 5th Ave. 
entrance. It is used principally by children for miniature boat races. 

The Pool, near the entrance at 8th Ave. and looth St., is a beautifully shaded retreat. 

Harlem Meer, in the Northeastern corner of the Park, covers over 12 acres, and by 
many is considered the most romantic of all the Park waters. Near it are the large 
greenhouses, used in propagating plants and flowers for the ornamentation of the Park. 

The Loch covers only an acre, and is not far from the Pool. 

Lily Pond is an irregularly shaped pool 200 feet long, with natural grassy shores, 
shaded at one end by a weeping willow. In this pond are successfully cultivated many 
varieties of choice water-lilies, including the Egyptian lotus, the purple and red tropical 
Zanzibar lilies, the deep red Indian lily {Mymphaa ruby-d), the pure white N. dentata and the 
American yellow lotus and rose-colored Cape Cod lily. These, with other water plants, 
such as the Papyrus, the strange, unique floating plant Pontederia, or Water Hyacinth, 
with flowers like an orchid, and the attractive little yellow water poppy, make one of the 
most unique collections of the kind in the country. In other parts of the Park collec- 
tions similar to the above may be found. They are specially noteworthy at the Loch 
and at the Southwest corner of the Harlem Meer, in both of which spots great masses 
of the Egyptian lotus {Nelumbium speciosiini) present a most picturesque appearance. At 
the Bethesda Fountain, a general collection of lotuses and lilies are effective. 




48 



statues and flonuments in the Park. 



Beethoven. — A bronze bust of Beethoven on a granite pedestal 15 feet high, on East 

side of the Mall, near the Music Stand, unveiled July 22, 1884. 

Bolivar. — An equestrian statue of Gen. Simon Bolivar, the Liberator, stands at the West 
side of the Park, near 8ist St. entrance. It is by R. De la Cora, and vi^as a gift from the 
people and government of Venezuela. It was unveiled June 17, 1884. 

Burns. — A bronze statue of Robert Burns, modeled by John Steele, of Edinburgh, was 
presented to New York by resident Scotchmen in iSSo. It stands opposite the statue of 
Scott, at the Southern end of the Mall. 

Columbus. — A granite monument to Christopher Columbus, by Gaetano Russo, was 
presented to New York by Italian residents in 1893. It stands in the circle near the 8th Ave. 
and 59th St. entrance. There is also a marble statue of Christopher Columbus, of colossal 
size, the work of Miss Emma Stebbins, presented to the city by the late Marshall O. Roberts 
in i86g. Located in McGown's Pass Tavern. 

"Commerce," an ideal figure cast in bronze, about 8 feet high, presented to the city 
in 1865 by Mr. Stephen B. Guion, stands near the 8th Ave. and 59th St. entrance. 

Eagles and Goat. — A bronze casting, East of the Mall, executed by Fratin, and pre- 
sented to the city by Gordon W. Burnham in May, 1863. 

Falconer. — A bronze group placed on a high bluff, near the statue of Webster. It was 
presented by Mr. Geo. Kemp, February 28, 1872, and is the work of George Simonds. 



Halleck. — A bronze statue of the poet Fitz-Greene Halleck was erected on the Mall in 
1877. The figure is seated, and placed on a granite pedestal. Modeled by Wilson MacDonald. 

Hamilton. — A granite statue of AleKander Hamilton, presented to the city by his son, 
John C. Hamilton, in 1880. It was executed by Ch. Conradts, and stands on the West side 
of the East Drive, N. W. of the Art Museum. 

Humboldt. — A bronze bust of Alexander von Humboldt, by Gustave Blaeser, stands on 
a granite pedestal near the 5th Ave. and 5gth St. entrance. It was presented to the city by 
a number of German residents on the looth anniversary of the birth of the distinguished 
savant, September 14, 1869. 

<< Indian Hunter."— An ideal figure, life-size, in bronze, by Mr. J. Q. A. Ward, stands 
near lower entrance to the Mall. 

riazzini. — A bronze bust of the Italian agitator, of heroic size, on a pedestal 10 ft. in 
height, stands on the West Drive, near the Seventh Regiment monument. It is by Turini, 
and was presented to the city by Italian residents in 1878. 

rioore. — On the banks of the Pond, and near the 5th Ave. entrance, is a bust of 
Thomas Moore, by Dennis B. Sheehan. It was given to the city. May 28, 1880, by the 
Moore Memorial Committee. 

florse. — A life-size bronze statue of Prof. S. F. B. Morse, by Byron M. Pickett, stands 
near the 5th Ave. and 72d St. entrance. It was erected by the telegraphic craft in 1871. 

Schiller. — A bronze bust of the poet, stands on a sandstone pedestal in the Ramble. 
It is by C. L. Richter, and was presented by German residents in 1859. 




53 



Scott. — A copy of the bronze statue of Sir Walter Scott, modeled by John Steele, and 
standing in Edinburgh, was presented to New York by resident Scotchmen, in 1872. It is 
placed on an Aberdeen granite pedestal, on the Mall, near the Southern end. 

Seventh Regiment. — A bronze figure of a private soldier of this regiment, modeled by 
J. Q. A. Ward, was erected in 1874, in commemoration of those members who fell in battle 
during the late civil war, on the West Drive near 72d St. 

Shakespeare. — The bronze statue of William Shakespeare at the lower end of the Mall, 
was placed in position May 23, 1872, on the 300th anniversary of the great dramatist's birth. 
It is the work of Mr. J. Q. A. Ward. 

The Pilgrim.— This is a bronze statue, 9 ft. high, by J. Q. A. Ward, to commemorate 
the landing of the Pilgrims on Plymouth Rock, in 1620. The costume is historically 
correct, and the statue is very picturesque. It is located near the Lake, where the roadway 
leading from 5th Ave. at 72d St. crosses the Eastern Drive, and is a gift from the Ncat 
England Society. 

"The Still Hunt," by Kemeys, represents a beast of prey ready to leap upon its 
victim. It is on a rock overlooking the East Drive, near the Obelisk. 

Tigress and Young.— A fine group, presented to the Park in October, 1867, by twelve 
New York gentlemen. It is in bronze, is by Augustus Caine, and stands a few yards West 
of the Terrace. 

Webster.— A bronze statue of Daniel Webster at the junction of the 72d St. and the West 
Drive. It is the gift of Mr. Gordon W. Burnham, and was modeled by Mr. Thomas Ball. 

51 




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